Western Samoa: Coming of Age

The happy-go-lucky Polynesians on the
lush tropical islands of Western Samoa give their children imaginative
namesFalesiva (Dance Hall), Vaalele (Flying Boat), Okisenep (Oxygen).
Last week many proud new parents celebrated the greatest event in Western
Samoa's history by christening their infants TutoatasIndependence.

A tiny (1,130 sq. mi.), four-island group with a population of only
113,500. Western Samoa * is the first independent Polynesian state, the
world's newest nation, and one of the few to achieve independence amid total
serenity. Into the capital of Apia (pop. 26,000) for the five-day freedom
celebrations poured...